A charge was preferred against George DANIELS, emigration agent, at the County Magistrates Court, Canterbury on the 16th instant, of converting to his own use £11 deposited with him by Thomas HARMAN. Prosecutor, a Labourer living at 77 island Wall, Whitstable, stated that he had been on holiday from America since December last. Desiring to return, he went to defendant, who was an emigration agent at Whitstable, on February 8th and gave him £11 to procure a ticket for him to go by the SS Baltic, which sailed on February 26th.

Prosecutor, hearing nothing, went to defendants office on February 25th and was told that he could not travel by the Baltic, as the berth was filled. He has asked several times for his money back, but he has not got it yet.

Defendant, giving evidence, deposed that prosecutor had neglected to fill up a form as he was required to do before he could book a berth. HARMAN appeared to be uncertain whether he would go back to America or not, and defendant withheld the money while he was making up his mind. Mr S Shea (for prosecutor): I wrote to you on the 17th March respecting this matter and you never replied.

Defendant: I admit I was wrong in not acknowledging that letter. Mr Shea: And you will admit that you only have yourself to blame for that position you are now in?.

Defendant did not answer. The Chairman of the Bench (Mr F H Wilbee) remarked that the case was a very serious one, but after hearing defendants explanation it was just possible that there might be a doubt.

The Magistrates had, therefore, decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, and would dismiss the case, but they hoped it would be a warning to defendant.
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